Latest Accomplishments

Well, I told you about the Geography Fair we won, well not exactly. There's no such thing as WINNERS in homeschooling land. In fact, we achieve more together, it's simple as that.



While I've yet to find a personal "lighting instructor" or take an officially helpful photography class, we have begun our study of the illustrationist Norman Rockwell.

Taught the kids complete Monopoly, we'd been playing

the children's version.

Captured a two year old in her first winter gear.

Tried to take the holiday photo, didn't turn out so well.

Began YMCA swimming lessons, Angie struck a deal.

Monday's Lessons

My kids study art, though we have yet to delve deeply into one artist's work, and know by heart his every whim and inkling.

I chose Norman Rockwell because I received this treat at TJ Maxx, a 2009 planning calendar. Of course I love it all by itself, and had planned from the beginning to study its artwork:



Then, I found this museum site for Norman Rockwell's illustrations, and a $5.00 coloring book, to boot!

Plus, saw these postcards and had to order some, we'll continue to add to our set.


Problem We All Live With, 1964

We needed one of each of his Four Freedoms (for a scrapbook), which we happened to find is from Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1941 speech.

Norman Rockwell went from "life as I would like it to be", painting boys, puppies, and small town pleasures...

to life as it is, immediately after leaving the Saturday Evening Post in 1963...,

47 years of magazine covers later!

Quiz Day

Free-schoolin' , out-of-the-box thinker Dayna encourages her sparkly children to build inventive games out of history lessons. Good-timing Martins, I seem to be on the same wavelength as you guys are.

We started by counting out all our Obama buttons (totally retro) don'tcha think:


And yes, being that the majority of my friends are Republicans, I have tons of extras.

Then, we decided to look at some options (for Unit Study). Trina helped us out with the electoral college, totally printed these up, and threw in this for good measure. Of course, we'll be repeatin' the lesson in four years. I'm failin' 'em all.

So, while they were studying and coloring this.

I grabbed my notebook, and came up with this.

Hallow'een

It was a warm, but spooky night. Not that my fingers were crossed for snow, but as low pressure systems in October often grow...oh well, never mind. The spirit has passed us, and despite bitter warnings from fellow homeschoolers, the dead did not rise.

Though ghoul was present in larger quantities than last year (counted 3-4 favorite houses), we both celebrated AND survived.



Yes, I awoke late this morning, visions of skunks and winter princesses danced in my head, I'll spare you the important details, but stuffed animals were involved. It's a tradition.



No caramel apples this year though, didn't have time. However, the geography fair exactly one week prior, went off without a hitch (sorry, no awesome pictures). Even local representative Mark Owens felt inclined showed up.



Next year, we'll choose Africa, stay tuned.

Autumnal forecast

I predict snow. I'm being honest, as usual, though completely uncreative, I'll admit it. What with the geography fair just two days away, a smackle of playdates for both tomorrow and friday (won't say where, or with who)...just grateful for Jen and Mani, two of the sincerest friends ever. I'll leave Friday a mystery, just to spice things up.

We've joined 4-H, yes officially, but who's asking. I'm so excited by the leadership opportunities, watching my olders shine with responsibility, the chance to take charge of their duties, and to meld with a group. I never thought "I move to..." and "I second that motion..." could be so adorable, but it is, like any foreign language becoming natural.

But speaking of snow, and the Halloween that comes after, and walks the fine line with it every year, yes they do! I'm looking forward to it, but I'm not dressing up, I'll never sell my soul to that devil (there's two). Some things I've just decided (writing it here makes it inevitable, and therefore possibly true) take more of your spirit, than they give back to you.

A positive representation of homeschooling should be every study-at-home enthusiast's goal.

Afterall, what might the neighbors think? I prefer it more simple, an honest admission of the ups-and-downs, confidence gained step-by-step, the learning process often composed of struggle, then revelation. And I'm just talking about the parents so far, we teachers in training.

Were we spoon-fed, some institution's packaged jargon, a curriculum (everyone's using one) to tweak to our classroom's own style, I can't imagine we'd ever be unhappier. Any teachers out there daring to call your system unsatisfactory? Dare to dream an improvement, and then say it out loud? Didn't think so.

But all alone here ('cept for Jackie, who's always welcome), I can say what I want, feel how I think. Let the critics fill in their details with false assumptions, keeping distance between us, it's their habits, not ours. Everyone who knows me, knows me well, I don't spend life hiding, fruitlessly hoping from afar.

So, that said, moving forward (or back) into an unwavering faith in humanity's destination. We're all going somewhere, right? Our family, for instance, in between reading and writing (a certain son ready to give his more trying), and obvious math, and other things unexciting...we are studying the human body.

No, not sociologically, or even theologically, both bodies bearing weight, but currently it's physiology. Beginning with cells, where else? Drawing pictures, comparing systems...in spite of, or inspired by, the upcoming fair this spring (it's all science-y).

Nobody wants to be doctors, they've said. One fashionista, one scientista, and two business owners who want to work for themselves. Oh well, passion's unpredictable, it's the foundation I'll build that will sort this stuff out.

Biology 4 Kids, a homeschooling mom's saving grace, teachers sharing lesson plans (freely, no strings-attachedly), and my new personal favorite, though I admit I'm just exploring, philosophy of math (because EVERYTHING is philosophy, even numbers). I know, I'm aghast!

Busy Life

Back by popular demand

Had I forseen this previously unforseeable return, I'd have warned myself. But alas, my fate is in the stars, and who am I to question our stellar destinies? I have so much to wax on and on about, most especially where it concerns homeschooling...and spelling, and poetry, and "living math" (ever heard of that?) We're having a great year so far, to say the least.

And say the least I am, simply because I've got two tidbits worth sharing, and nada much else. For now. Firstly, can you say Wa Wa Wubsy (that's how I'd say it, even if it is Wow! Wow! Wubbzy), on Nickelodeon. Well, talk about free train tickets for kids, oh my!

S'right, just have to buy a DVD, which all my lady friends agree is "cute enough" and harmless. So buy one for all your friends, or however many kid tickets you need to call life a vacation.

Secondly, boring spelling, I never knew phonograms could be so fun! Seriously, learn all the spelling rules you never knew we had, and thank your public school teachers for giving fresh cause to re-learn all these tricks-o-da-trade (for the National Spelling Bee, of course!)

Oh, and here's a freebie...'cause I gots some housecleaning to do. Geography Fair is in just 3 weeks, and the United Kingdom was the most excellent choice (more later). It's not just participants who are invited:

Enjoy a yearly festival of the success we call homeschooling, and ask all the "what kind of nut are you" questions you like!

Another one? A really, really classic idea made manifest? I'd Wa Wa Wubzis for Christmas sometime.

'Cause you totally should be

Free buttons anyone? Get 'em here...or just ask me where I got mine. I'm keepin' a purse full of extras (way cooler than signs).

Salvete

As Eric Belz's last research questions (hopefully) have trickled for the last time (hopefully) through my email box, I'm callin' it an eternity. That's right folks, this whole bloggin' thing has run its course. It's served its purpose, emptied me out, I mean, I've already shared all my best homeschooling tricks with ya, what more can I offer?

So fare thee well, princesses of all ranks and orders. May your paths be paved in gold (or silver, if you'd rather). Keep rootin' for the good guy, with all the hope you can muster, but in the end, remember it's only a story (oh yeah, I almost forgot).

THE END

Looking Ahead

Saturday, November 1st ~ All Saints Day
Sunday, November 30th ~ First Sunday of Advent

Sat. December 6th ~ Feast of Saint Nicholas
Sun. December 7th ~ Second Sunday of Advent
Mon. December 8th ~ Immaculate Conception (Holy Day)

Fri. December 12th ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe
Sat. December 13th ~ Feast of Saint Lucy
Sun. December 14th ~ Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 21st ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas Eve
Christmas (Holy Day)

Thursday, January 1st ~ Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day)

Tuesday, February 24th ~ Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)
Wednesday, February 25th ~ Ash Wednesday

Sunday, April 5th ~ Palm Sunday

Thursday, April 9th ~ Holy Thursday
Friday, April 10th ~ Good Friday
Saturday, April 11th ~ Holy Saturday
Sunday, April 12th ~ Easter

Sunday, April 19th ~ Divine Mercy Sunday

Sunday, May 24th ~ Ascension

Sunday, May 31st ~ Pentecost

Sunday, June 7th ~ Trinity Sunday

Sunday, June 14th ~ Corpus Christi

Assumption of Mary, August 15th (Saturday)

Busy week

Memoria Press
Latin-centered curriculum

Don't mind me

My husband finally ordered some Nespresso capsules.


He had this machine when I met him. You know, back when I first discovered he had a secret cabinet.


Don't you all just love Monster Garage
(I know, it seems so out of character).


But anyone who makes sweet toys, gets my vote.


So, back to the capsules. We've been out for about, oh, two visits to the cabin. So my husband got on the ball and ordered some up for me last night. Of course, that dream became a nightmare when he informed me that George Clooney is now a spokesperson for the company.


I'd say something stupid like, "Oh great, now they pay him extra to be even more arrogant (if that's possible). But then I thought, my husband and I have searched high and low for matching sets of these cups. He initially bought a standard set of four, back when he was just fiddling with the idea of rubbing elbows with his hot espresso-loving wife, someday.

And since we're not the dinner party-throwing types (and never will be), our only concern is, "what if one of these gets broken?" As is often a concern of parents who invest their lives in children instead of high society.

But alas, don't want to insult the prick (George, not my husband), he may have connections. And I do know he must know Julia Roberts, and I obviously respect her (can't act for the life of her, but she does clean her own house).

And consequently, some of these folks may claim to know Angelina (on a good day), and if Tim Gunn says she's got the best style he's seen in two centuries (hey, if you're gunna go throwin' sturm and drang around), then count me in for the next yacht party.

But only if I happen to pass you at Sundance this November, when I'm celebrating my ELEVENTH anniversary (you know me and elevens) with my husband. God better make sure none of my cups break in my luggage, 'cause when my husband finds out he's getting not just two sets, but three...

...well, you'll just have to wait 'til Christmas to hear the rest of that bugger, won't ya?

Baseball

Now, I wouldn't be saying a word about this, had I not spent the better part of my youth as the only girl on an all-boys baseball team. You guessed it, I was number 16, an Oriole. I should pull those pictures out of my trunk in the basement, which I'm planning to do someday soon. I was catcher most of the time, I'm not sure why, perhaps I was the only one who could be hit you-know-where without totally dying.

I loved the job, didn't mind the equipment except for that annoying face mask. How in the hell are you expected to see anything in that?! I was offered the pitching plate once or twice, and it was obvious I'd be a heck of a pitcher. Better than our current star (not even the coach's son), which was why I was patted on the back and told to return to my station. Oh well, Mr. Montrose delivered pizzas to our house, who was I to argue with him?

I did make it to the All-Stars, so I know a bit about that, if you must know. I recall being confused by the whole AL versus NL thing, you mean we're divided into DIVISIONS?(!) I should've thrown down my mitt right then and there, because to this day I have no idea where the Orioles even fall. But I had a game to play, and my team was counting on me, and once I saw those bright lights...I'd have been an idiot to refuse.

I sucked majorly, though (but never in the way you're probably thinking). Even the other girl on the opposing team was much stronger and up for the advantage than me. I was a pixie, a frail, bony blonde pixie whose hair sticking out of my catcher's helmet made me a dead ringer for Jodi Foster. Totally.

I was catcher again. You'd think they would've thrown me out into left field, or at least plugged me in short stop, both essential positions, don't get me wrong. But that pitcher, dude, he did not hold back for the sake of a delicate hand. After being stung again, and again, and again...um, I couldn't handle it, chose to sit out (and crying). I had no idea that's why they invented softball.

There's one particular story that stands out in my mind (and then I'm settling in with my hubby to watch Sean Penn's Into the Wild). The deaf kid, Jeff. I volunteered to play catch with him everytime during practice. I love getting to know people, of all times, even better if he felt he was somehow at a disadvantage. He lobbed alot, but I taught him to trust.

Jeff was awesome, not so much as a player, but as a person. And I was all set to accept him as part of the team, of course my boys would see he was exactly like all the rest of them. Wouldn't they? It was probably my coach who insulted the intelligence of everyone, when after a practice or two of warming up with the Jeffer...I was suddenly his life partner.

Coach looked at me as someone to pick up the slack, someone to take care of the deaf guy so's no one else would have to waste their skill or whatever, lobbing back and forth with a handicap. I can't hold it against him, I never would, just that so many guys missed out on teaching Jeffrey themselves, that nothing can hold you back from being good at baseball.

Except pizza delivery guys.

Lucky me!

Not only is today my oldest daughter's birthday, I can look back over the ten years we've spent raising her and know I wouldn't change a thing. From the time she initiated her Daddy into fatherhood by shooting hot yellow mustard all over his face and white Calvin Klein sleepshirt, his patient understanding of my wish to get a camera (now I have two!), as he blindly felt his way to the shower in St. John's Block...great beginnings don't always ensure a great ending.

All of the in-between parts take work, and they take sacrifice. You can look as far ahead as you like, envisioning the best dreamworld possible. It's the focusing on the dream everyday though, that tests your mettle and produces results. I'm not bragging, okay maybe I am. And when you see what I found at TJ Maxx yesterday, I'm totally bragging.

But this is about my daughter, who has enriched my life more than I ever knew could be possible. All you parents out there know exactly what I'm talking about, life just isn't the same once you discover the reason for living. Great friends are only second to a satisfying family life. As luck would have it, and as an old friend did say, one of the best ways to meet people is through the action of family.

Actually, he said it was through your children, I'm just taking it one step further. If it weren't for Jackie and her fine art classes, we would never have known Caprice who lives two blocks away. And speaking of making this girl's dreams come true, I've been admiring her gardening since the moment I saw her flowers!


How many species can a homeschooled child ponder?!!

But quickly, TJ Maxx...and then off to a movie (thanks dollar theater, thanks Nim's island). Can you believe I found this watch, it's identical to my husband's. Love the domed glass, don't you?

But this bag, so unexpected! Lacoste at TJ Maxx, doesn't it look high-end? As beautiful as my navy-rimmed Vera Wang stationery ($7.99!) CK says I should bring it on the yacht, which of course we don't have (it's so expensive!) And I asked, when you say "yacht" is it the bag itself that brings yachts to mind...or do you actually envision us on one?

It was the latter. Eerie!